First of all, I sure hope these instructions don’t confuse the heck out of you.

Second, this is a really fun thing to make! It’s a Christmas version of the classic “Finger Jello” recipe, which I believe refers to any jello that is supplemented by an additional dose of plain gelatin, which renders it a little more hardy and easy to pick up with one’s fingers than regular jello would be. Rainbow Finger Jello involves layering several different colors of the gelatin-fortified jello, which results in an amazingly happy and pretty layered treat.

A couple of weeks ago, I whipped up a cute Christmas version. The kids loved it. But I think I wound up eating more squares than anyone. I kept walking by the fridge, and popping squares in my mouth. Repeatedly. Till they were all gone.

I seem to do that a lot.

The Cast of Characters: You need two cans of sweetened condensed milk…

Five boxes of jello: 3 red and 2 green.

And nine envelopes of plain gelatin. There are usually four to a box.

Okay, I’m going to take a deep breath now so I’ll be able to explain this in a relatively coherent fashion. Please light a candle for me.

First, there are some important things to say:

1. This whole process will take you about 2 to 3 hours. Emphasis on 3 1/2.
2. The more organized/prepared you are ahead of time, the more smoothly it will go. Lay out mixing bowls, glass measuring cups, and fill up a tea kettle if you have one. You’ll need a continual stream of boiling water.
3. I did nine layers in total, but you can do as few as five or as many as 43,000…as long as the pan will hold them.
4. Be sure to spray your pan (9 x 13 inch) with cooking spray before you start. If you don’t, the bottom layer will definitely stick to the pan.

Next, there are only two elements you need to keep straight when you make this silly stuff:

The Colored Jello Layer

and

The Creamy Layer

We’ll start with the colored jello layer.

The first thing to do is make one colored jello layer: Grab one envelope of plain gelatin…

And pour it into a small mixing bowl.

Pour in 1/4 cup of cold water…

And stir it to dissolve. It’ll quickly start to set and look gelatinous.

Next, measure a cup of boiling water (my tea kettle was at the lodge, and boy oh boy, did I wish I had it.)

Pour the cup of boiling water into the gelatin/water mixture…

Immediately pour in one 3-ounce package of red jello…

Stir it gently (gently, so it won’t get all bubbly)…

Then pour it into the pan.

That’s layer number one!

Carefully carry it to the fridge and set it on a shelf…

Right next to your cattle vaccines.

Welcome to my world.

Now, the first layer just needs to chill out for 10 to 15 minutes to set.

While that’s chilling, make the first batch of the creamy layer (which will cover 2 to 3 layers!) In a small measuring cup, measure 1/2 cup of cold water and pour in 2 envelopes of plain gelatin.

Stir it around to dissolve the gelatin, then set it aside.

In a separate bowl, pour one can of sweetened condensed milk.

I’m purring right now.

I love sweetened condensed milk.

I’m sure that comes as no surprise to you.

Grab a cup of boiling water and pour it into the bowl.

Stir it around to combine the sweetened condensed milk with the boiling water…

Then pour in the dissolved gelatin, stir it around, and add another 1/2 cup of boiling water.

Whew!

Pull the first jello layer out of the fridge. This is me tipping the pan on its side to make sure it was, like, totally set.

Scoop out a little over a third of the creamy mixture with a clean glass measuring cup or pitcher…

And pour it over the jello layer.

Poke the bubbles with a toothpick, or they’ll ruin your life later.

Now stick this back in the fridge with the cattle vaccine! (You can’t really see the creamy layer, but it’s there, Maynard.)

While the creamy layer is chilling, mix up a green jello layer following the method I used for the red layer above.

Pull the pan out of the fridge once the creamy layer is set, then pour on the green jello.

Now we’ve got three layers! Progress!

Stick it in the fridge to chill.

And the process continues.

Creamy layer, then chill.

Red layer, then chill.

Creamy layer, then chill.

Green layer, then chill.

Creamy layer, then chill.

(Important note! Less than halfway through, you’ll need to mix up another batch of the creamy mixture. I used a little less than two batches of the stuff.)

Red layer…

Then stop!

Or keep going! Whatever your heart tells you to do!

But I was out of jello, man.

When the last layer is on, chill it for a good couple of hours to set the heck out of it.

When it’s all chilled, you can cut it into squares (I did not spray my pan and as you can see, there was some stickage going on.)

And serve ‘em up!

One thing you need to know, if you’ve never tried finger jello, is that it is decidedly firmer than jello made according to package directions. Of course, that’s the whole point; it needs to be firm in order to hold together and be “pick up-able.” But if you’re expecting it to have the slurp-through-your-teeth softness of normal jello, it won’t.

I have to tell you, though…I love this stuff. There’s something so fun about it. You can make the squares as small as you’d like and just pop them in your mouth. The creamy layer is nice and, well, creamy…and they’re just a fun and festive treat.

Try them this week! Another approach you could take is to double the amounts of each layer and have fewer, thicker layers. Might be a little less time consuming.

Ingredients

Preparation Instructions

First: Get organized! Having a tea kettle full of water helps, as does having at least two or three mixing bowls and a couple of glass measuring cups. This moves faster if you have all the equipment ready!

Second: Spray a 9 x 13 inch Pyrex with cooking spray, then give it a gentle wipe with a paper towel to remove the excess.

COLORED JELLO LAYERS:

One layer at a time, mix 1 envelope Knox gelatin with 1/4 cup cold water in a small mixing bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water, followed by 1 box of either red or green jello. Stir gently to combine so bubbles won't form. Pour into pan. Place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, or until set. In between each colored layer, pour a creamy layer.

CREAMY WHITE LAYERS:

***NOTE: The following mixture is enough for just under three creamy layers. You'll need two batches before the whole thing's done.

Once you've used all of the creamy mixture, repeat the method below to make another batch.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Begin by pouring either a red layer in the bottom of the pan. Stick the pan in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until it's set. While it's setting, mix up the first batch of the creamy mixture.

Remove the pan from the fridge and pour in a little more than 1/3 of the creamy mixture (or enough to coat the first colored layer.) Stick the pan in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until it's set. While it's setting, mix up the next colored layer.

Repeat the colored layer process with a green layer, followed by another creamy layer. When you're finished, you should have, beginning from the bottom:

Red
White
Green
White
Red
White
Green
White
Red

Note that you'll need to mix up the second batch of the creamy layer midway through the process to make sure you have enough for the middle layer. For the colored layers, just mix them right before you need them (when the previous layer is chilling in the fridge).

When all the layers are in the pan, chill for a good 2 hours to totally set everything. Cut into small squares and serve 'em as snacks!

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274 Comments and 46 Replies

101

Martie On Monday, December 10 at 4:49 pm

Hi Ree!
I just asked my daughter, Olivia, who is 7, if she would like to make these to take to Grammas for Christmas. First of all she asked if we had made them before. When I told her no, she kind looked funny, so I said that it was a recipe from the Pioneer Woman! Then, she very enthusiastically said, YES! You have that effect on her! Well, that and the shots of your dogs and horses on the show…

102

Beckie On Monday, December 10 at 5:08 pm

Ah, finger Jello! I remember those days with my girls. Hope there’s time to make these one day before Christmas. It would be fun to serve to the gluten-free family members. Thanks.

103

Kathy Rose On Monday, December 10 at 5:09 pm

I have done this many times with different colors of jello. Rainbow jello. Yummy!

104

cindy On Monday, December 10 at 5:30 pm

A lady at my church makes this with a different flavor jello for each layer and it is call “Stained Glass Jello.” It’s really beautiful with all the colors and prettier than just a dish of jello. It’s delicious too!

The instructions were not confusing at all; seriously…and Finger Jello is seriously FUN!

107

forever montana On Monday, December 10 at 6:23 pm

These look so fun! But what tickled me the most….and I laughed right out loud… is the vaccine in the fridge! That was sooo our fridge when I was growing up.

108

triciaw On Monday, December 10 at 6:35 pm

My Mom made a cake she called her “Rainbow Cake” similar to this years ago. She used a cake pan with a graham cracker crust, red and green jello, pineapple juice, sugar and heavy cream. I found her recipe a few years after she passed away, I thought it was lost. This was one of my favorite deserts at Christmas as a child. I’ve tried making it once, but it doesn’t measure up to hers. This recipe is similar and much easier to make. Thanks Ree, this has brought back some good Christmas memories.

109

Rene Kauder On Monday, December 10 at 7:50 pm

Beautiful! And delicious. I’ve had a Rainbow version of this that is gorgeous, too! Thanks for sharing this.

110

misskoren On Monday, December 10 at 7:56 pm

This is almost too pretty to eat! I said ALMOST!

111

Sandie On Monday, December 10 at 7:56 pm

This is so cute and looks great. I wanted to reach thru my laptop and eat one. I am going to make this for Christmas. The kids will LOVE it.

112

Barbara On Monday, December 10 at 8:36 pm

OMGosh! I had forgotten all about this wonderful jiggly treat. A gal I used to work with would bring this everytime we had a potluck at work, I’m talking 35 years ago!!!
I think I’ll make this to take to my sister’s on Christmas Day. Thanks Ree!!

113

michele On Monday, December 10 at 8:40 pm

i’m confused? what layer does the cattle vaccine go in? LOL

114

Marlys Burke On Monday, December 10 at 8:43 pm

I have been making this for years, a little different number of layers etc.. but the same idea. I also made the list of of the layers etc. I always make a BIG PAN full for our annual Santa Party before Christmas and all the kids just go nuts for it. I cut and put it on two different trays, and hold one back so the late comers do not get cheated out. One trick I found out is to always put the pan in the frig in the same direction each time, so the layers are exactly the same, If you frig is slightly off level it will effect the layers

115

pw/mt On Monday, December 10 at 8:54 pm

I love this layered stuff. I do this at Easter time with rainbow colors and pastels (seperately, of course) and on July 4 with black cherry or raspberry and blue jello. If I can’t find blue jello, I make my own with blueberry juice mixed with white grape juice. It is always such fun to be creative in the kitche, An unespected bonus. If you lay your jello layer square sideways on a chinet plate, it will stain the place with the colors of your jello. We found this out one Easter and had quite a fun time explaining the great mystery of Easter with the rainbow!

Wendy E. On Monday, December 10 at 9:17 pm

Imagine my surprise as I’m scrolling through beautiful pictures of Christmas jello and *BAM* there is a picture of One Shot Ultra 7, made by the very company I work for! Lol, thanks for the laugh, I mean, doesn’t EVERYONE keep their cattle vaccine on the kitchen counter?

This jello is going to be a hit at our house this Christmas. It’s fun and its going to brighten up the day.

119

Michele Specht On Monday, December 10 at 9:53 pm

Ree, From one farm wife to another I totally understand the vaccine thing as I have the same in my fridge! I am totally making these for my jello loving hubby of 35 years. Merry Christmas!

120

Allison V On Monday, December 10 at 9:56 pm

My Godmother used to make a variation of this and bring it to every church potluck. Her creamy mixture contains cream cheese. She would make hers rainbow…one color per layer. Great memories. I might have to whip this up for the kiddos at Christmas!

121

Leigh On Monday, December 10 at 10:24 pm

I am making this for our neighbor’s potluck on Sunday. I’m sure it will be a hit. Glad to hear that it can be left out at room temp. for several hours. I think I’ll include toothpicks for those who don’t feel comfortable handling those beautiful jello pieces of art. I hope mine turns out as pretty!

122

Karen On Monday, December 10 at 10:29 pm

I love the idea of doubling up the jello layers and fewer layers, then you can just have 2 creamy layers dividing the 1 recipe in half (scoop out half instead of a third). Thick red, creamy that is 1.5 times as thick, thick green layer, creamy again, thick red.

I think you would need to add enough ingredients for one red recipe to have two thick layers.

123

jan On Monday, December 10 at 10:31 pm

So pretty and so not gonna happen in my world.
Ree, get yourself an electric kettle. You will love love love it.

124

Kim On Monday, December 10 at 11:30 pm

Oh, how much do I love ribbon jello?!? All forms of jello, really:) A “must” make this season…

Janet D. On Tuesday, December 11 at 12:41 pm

Elise On Tuesday, December 11 at 12:49 pm

This would be really cute cut out with cookie cutters. I wonder if you could substitue a clear jello made with apple juice or ginger ale for the dairy?

140

Paula On Tuesday, December 11 at 12:58 pm

My mom made this every year at Christmas !! We all miss her !!

141

Jen W On Tuesday, December 11 at 1:26 pm

I haven’t thought about finger jello in years! I’m going to have to make some of this, now I’m craving some finger jello!

142

Connie Pruitt On Tuesday, December 11 at 1:56 pm

They are so pretty. But I must admit I am too lazy to do anything that takes that much work!

143

Susanne On Tuesday, December 11 at 1:57 pm

wonder if you could take part of the sweetened condensed milk, add some chocolate, and have a chocolate layer???? Just a thought. So what’s not good with chocolate??? OK, maybe sauerkraut.

144

Stephanie On Tuesday, December 11 at 2:16 pm

Anyone have any idea how long these would keep in the fridge? I’d like to make one big batch and then take them to various parties over the course of four days.

145

Mindy On Tuesday, December 11 at 2:23 pm

My Mom made us Knox Blox at least once a week when were small. OMG, how we loved them! She did a couple of colors, but nothing this fancy. maybe I will ship some up for Christmas, for old times sake!

146

Kathy W. On Tuesday, December 11 at 3:25 pm

This reminds me of the Jello my mother used to make for my brother and I as an after school snack. She worked when many moms were home. Anyway, jello days were always the best days.

147

Dawn On Tuesday, December 11 at 4:42 pm

Is there a way to make a sugar fee version. My Mother In Law has diabetes and I would like to surprise her.

148

Erica Davis On Tuesday, December 11 at 4:42 pm

I just wanted to say that I laughed right out loud on the picture of the cattle vaccines next to the jello. As a dairy “cowlady” I have seen this all my life! (I didn’t know that this was abnormal! LOL!)

As much as I enjoy so many of the things about your blog and posts – the ranch life is what I love the most. Your pictures make me want to take more of my time to do the same!

Thank you for all of your “real” and entertaining life insights, as well as your recipes!

lucy Parker On Tuesday, December 11 at 6:26 pm

I haven’t layered like you have, PW, but I’ve made sheets of finger jello and let the kiddos use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. All season jello!

151

Claire On Tuesday, December 11 at 8:02 pm

I have ALWAYS wanted to know how to make this. I grew up envious of other kids whose moms made this (no way they make these in the Philippines or my mom might have made these for me and my brother)! So now I’m going to try this and impress my own 3 kids! =) Can’t wait!

Super cute! Ree, have you thought about using christmas cookie cutters? Little jello trees mightbe cute too. Thanks for the festive post. Im in paris, tx and I’ve been following your blog and website for years. Thank you for awesome food, photography, and great family values. God bless you this holiday season!

153

Andrea On Tuesday, December 11 at 10:11 pm

Over here in Australia I make something similar to that – called Jelly slice – where there is a bottom layer of crushed up biscuits ( cookies) mixed with melted butter and chilled then the creamy layer has lemon juice added to it as well and then a top layer of jelly – yummy!!!!!!!!!

154

Kelli On Wednesday, December 12 at 1:21 am

My grandmother used to make finger jello for me when I was growing up. She had a gift of making me feel like no one loved me as unconditionally as she did. Thanks for reminding me of a great memory.

155

Alicia Hodges On Wednesday, December 12 at 2:47 am

Bought the ingredients tonight, making it tomorrow!!! Thanks for the recipe!

156

Wendy z On Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30 am

I made this with my 11 year old last night…..it turned out perfectly! We had a ball!

157

Bebbie On Wednesday, December 12 at 8:50 am

Hannah On Wednesday, December 12 at 9:12 am

I was just tearing up over the Ga-Ga post and thinking I should call my own grandmother, then I popped over here for a minute and you have rainow jello, which is a dish my grandmother has made every Christmas for as long as I can remember! It was such a beautiful and fun treat, thank you for reminding me of something special! Now I really have to give my Marno a call!

Lauriann Bradford On Wednesday, December 12 at 10:23 am

Hi Ree! I have to thank you for adding the picture of the cattle vaccine! I have been cramming for my microbiology final exam tomorrow and as I was reading the label (“Clostridium” caught my eye), I realized I couldn’t remember what the “Toxoid” vaccine consisted of, and looked it up. : ) Now I am SURE to get an “A”! Oh, the jello treat looks great too…

164

Leyla On Wednesday, December 12 at 11:08 am

Silent Night

165

Holly On Wednesday, December 12 at 11:26 am

I wonder as I wander and thanks for the mashed potato recipe. I am now a sane woman on Thanksgiving! Semi-sane. Sane-ish. You know.

166

Mike Rhodes On Wednesday, December 12 at 11:27 am

Silent Night

167

Leslie On Wednesday, December 12 at 11:34 am

Manheim Steamroller’s “Silent Night”. Since 1988, when the violin plays, it makes me think of my grandmother’s funeral. Sometimes it makes my tear-up, and sometimes it makes me smile. It’s a wonderful way to remember her during the holidays.

Tricia Yocum On Wednesday, December 12 at 12:06 pm

Kathy H On Wednesday, December 12 at 12:07 pm

Joanne S On Wednesday, December 12 at 12:23 pm

White Christmas!

175

Amanda Kilby On Wednesday, December 12 at 12:47 pm

Have a Holly, Jolly, Christmas-it’s the best time of the year! This is my favorite. The reason is that we used to play it in the parade when I was in middle school. The band director was like a second dad to me. I played the clarinet. Such fond memories.

Dorothy On Wednesday, December 12 at 6:20 pm

I love the look of these Ree!! I am going to take them to a white elephant holiday party this weekend! I would love to make both a Christmas colors version and a Hanukkah colors version; its a diverse crowd and I think it would be fun and festive. Question: I know I can do a plain blue jello layer and the creamy white layer you have here. Wondering if you can recommend a ratio to make a light blue creamy layer to replace the red?…Should I make the creamy white recipe and take away one of the plain gelatin packets and replace it with a blue jello packet? Would love some advice. Thanks for a great idea just in time!!

188

Miranda On Wednesday, December 12 at 6:37 pm

My mom makes a variation of this, but uses sour cream in the white layer, It’s so yummy and everyone loves when she makes it!!

189

Cowgirl Crystal On Wednesday, December 12 at 6:41 pm

how festive!

190

cynthia stepanian On Wednesday, December 12 at 7:07 pm

frosty the snowman.

191

Becky Even On Wednesday, December 12 at 7:45 pm

OH HOLY NIGHT! HE IS KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!

192

Louisa On Wednesday, December 12 at 10:09 pm

My favorite Christmas Songs are anything from the Home Alone movie-so many great songs!

193

MerrilyBass On Wednesday, December 12 at 11:27 pm

silent night

194

Luz On Wednesday, December 12 at 11:52 pm

Wow! I am so making these ‘man!
So pretty, thanks Ree.

195

Carol Carman On Thursday, December 13 at 7:23 am

Oh my, now I want some Pots de Creme while I’m singing “Come On Ring Those Bells!”

J Conner On Thursday, December 13 at 8:43 am

Ok, Ree, so I made this last night (or attempted too) and the verdict is…never again! Finger jello is an extremely tedious and time consuming task for an end product that taste just like the stuff that takes 15 minutes to make. Love you girl, and always love all the recipes that you post (and usually make the majority of them)…but this one was a fail for me. Your pictures of the finger jello process are very pretty though!

200

Sue On Thursday, December 13 at 9:20 am

I’ve made a similar version for years. The clear layer is one box of jello to 1.5 cups of boiling water. The creamy layer consists of 3/4 c boiling water, 3/4 cup evaporated canned milk and jello. You make a clear layer of red, then a creamy layer of red, and keep layering with different colors. A total of 8 boxes of jello and 2 cans of milk. Also you can do a layer, go grocery shopping, do another layer, etc. No need to stay home three hours straight. I’ve even waited til the next day to finish. Important that you let mix cool before adding to layers in refrigerator.